Obedience Prayer

Over the years, I’ve used different Bible reading plans, and most plans start with the book of Genesis and end with the book of Revelation. Simple layout that gives you a daily portion to read. Some years, I’ve read between 5-10 chapters a day, depending on my goals for that year. On a few occasions, I had lowered my pace to study an entire book, taking notes and using a commentary.

Planning an entire year of prayer can be achieved using an author’s book on prayer. I prefer to let the Holy Spirit guide me as I read the Bible. When I was a new believer, I wanted to learn how to pray to Jesus, and the first church I attended had an old library with fewer books. One was on prayer, and I learned a few essential elements that have helped me out.

So how do you pray to an Almighty God? How long should you pray? Guess what? Jesus’s disciples asked similar questions.

Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, 
"Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples." Luke 11:1

Reverence Prayer

Jesus prayed alone with the Father. After a long day of ministering to the poor, sick, blind, and mute and teaching his own disciples. Jesus, in his human flesh, was exhausted, but he always ended his day by finding a quiet place to pray to the Father. Are we not to follow his example as Christians? In not doing so, we’ll undoubtedly open the door to sinful and doubtful thoughts and actions that aren’t reflected in our Redeemer. In fact, my lazy-unfaithful-attitude created a mountain of doubts in my heart. Not a pleasant place to be.

5 “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." Matthew 6:5-6

My encouraging words for those with toddlers at home, or you’re homeschooling a bunch of children, or has a long day at work; you will be exhausted at the end of the day. Pray before going to bed, in the morning with your kids, or in your car on your way to work. In your tiredness, you must find 5 minutes alone with Him. Do it! You will benefit from it.

In His Steps

Follow Jesus’ example and learn how to pray effectively. You can see this in the Lord’s Prayer below; Adoration (v.9-10); confession (11-13); Thanksgiving( not mentioned here); Supplication (v.14-15).

7 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9 Pray then like this:

“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
10 Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
    on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread,
12 and forgive us our debts,
    as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
    but deliver us from evil
14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 
15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. 

Matthew 6:7-15

I’ve always kept my prayers simple by praying over scripture because my mind tends to wander off with business. Praying over the Psalms guides my soul to revere God. Praying aloud focuses my mind on the moment. Praying with ACTS gives directions. I’ve also prayed with a Puritan’s prayer for inspiration. Find a way that works best for you. Every moment you spend alone in prayer with Jesus, you will know his will for you and be filled with peace, joy, and a renewed mind.

I’ve journaled my reading, bible study, and prayers. This week I’m sharing a prayer that uses the model ACTS dated Jan 14, 2020.

Psalm 57

Adoration: I will sing praises to you among the nations. Your STEADFAST LOVE is excellent to the heavens, Your FAITHFULNESS to the clouds. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your GLORY be over all the earth!

Confessions: O Father, I’m selfish at heart. I want comfort, liberty, security, and anything that can comfort my mind and body. But what about my soul, Lord? I seek to be nearer you. Teach your servant gently to pray sincerely and with the power of the Holy Spirit. Your will be done. To learn and understand your word so I may teach others of your great news: the gospel.

Thanksgiving: I thank you for your word that I can read it every day, study it every day, pray, and fellowship with believers every day.

Supplication: Oh, my heart yearns for the fellowship of believers to increase. O that my son( younger son unsaved) be called by your grace. I see a clear sign of an impossible prayer to do your will here if it is meant to be. Open the possibility of staying here by providing a cheap home or a call to NB.

Faithful Prayer

Our prayers are a testimony of our personal relationship with Christ. You cannot be strong in your faith and endure trials if you’re not in prayer. How do we pray to an Almighty God and Jesus Christ, our Savior? By being more like Mary at the feet of Jesus and having a less busy mind-set. A childlike believer praying to the Father in adoration, thanksgiving, confession, and supplication pleased Him. His love endures forever.

Philemon's Love and Faith

4 I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints, 6 and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. 7 For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.

Weekly Reading

My goal for April is to recite Titus’s entire book and continue praying alone with God. What is your goal for this month? How is your PrayingOverScripture helped you so far? Let’s go pray!